India’s Wildfire Management Resolution adopted at UNEA-7

New Delhi/Nairobi: India’s resolution on “Strengthening the Global Management of Wildfires” was adopted today at the seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) in Nairobi, marking a significant step toward coordinated global action against the growing threat of wildfires.

The resolution, proposed by India, received broad support from Member States, reflecting worldwide concern over the rapid escalation of wildfires in both frequency and intensity.

India noted that wildfires once largely seasonal events are now prolonged and increasingly destructive, driven by climate change, rising temperatures, extended droughts and human activities.

Each year, millions of hectares of land are scorched, resulting in severe damage to forests, biodiversity, water resources, soil health and air quality.

The economic and social toll is equally steep, with forest-dependent communities facing major disruptions.
Wildfires also contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and reduce the planet’s ability to absorb carbon.

India spotlighted findings from UNEP’s global assessment “Spreading Like Wildfire”, which warns that wildfire incidents may increase by 14% by 2030, 30% by 2050 and 50% by 2100 if current trends continue.

These rising risks, India stressed, make it imperative for the global community to shift from reactive firefighting to proactive prevention.

The resolution calls for enhanced international cooperation, improved planning, early-warning mechanisms, satellite-based monitoring and community-centric fire management.

India highlighted that integrated fire management, combining early detection, risk mapping, preparedness and ecosystem restoration, is now emerging as the global cornerstone of wildfire response.

India also underscored the important role of the UN Environment Programme in supporting nations to strengthen wildfire resilience.

The Global Fire Management Hub, established by FAO and UNEP in 2023, was acknowledged as a crucial platform for technical guidance, knowledge-sharing and coordinated global efforts.
Key Provisions of India’s Resolution:-

-The resolution aims to reinforce ongoing global activities under the Global Fire Management Hub.

-Strengthened International Cooperation: Development of early warning systems, risk assessment tools, and satellite- and ground-based ecosystem monitoring, besides promotion of community-based alert mechanisms.

-Enhanced Regional and Global Collaboration: Mechanisms supporting prevention, post-response recovery, and ecosystem restoration.

-Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building: Creation of platforms for best practices, along with training and capacity-building programmes stakeholders.

-Support for National and Regional Action Plans: Assistance to Member States in developing and implementing integrated fire management and wildfire resilience strategies.

-Facilitating Access to International Finance: Support to Member States in preparation of project proposals to access funding through multilateral mechanisms and results-based schemes.